Rep. Salazar Amendment Passes the House of Representatives

Press Release

Yesterday, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar's (FL-27) bipartisan amendment to complete a national land subsidence map passed the House of Representatives and was included in final passage of the HR 4502, which provides funding for the Department of the Interior's U.S. Geological Survey -- responsible for land and satellite mapping.

She was joined by Congresswoman Suzan Delbene (WA), who co-led the amendment, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA) and Florida delegation Members Brian Mast (FL), Gus Bilirakis (FL), Carlos Gimenez (FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL), and Michael Waltz (FL).

"We must guarantee that we have the best, most accurate technology to keep our cities safe and resilient for generations to come," said Congresswoman Salazar. "Mapping ground changes in vulnerable areas across the nation will ensure that we can implement preventative measures to avoid potential disasters. I am so proud that my amendment passed with overwhelming bipartisan support."

Many parts of the United States are sinking, including major cities like Miami, Houston, New Orleans, and San Francisco. However, satellite mapping data that can show the exact amount of change has not been updated in decades. Land subsidence -- or sinking - can increase flooding, alter coastal ecosystems, and damage infrastructure. This critical amendment will help complete the National Land Level Change Map, which will help us address the issues head on -- and prepare for the future.

According to space-based radar data, Miami Beach experienced subsidence -- or ground sinking - at the rate of about 1 to 3 millimeters a year between 1993 and 1999. Small changes like these accumulate over time and can amount to several inches of sinking over the course of decades. Unfortunately, the latest data we have for Florida is from 1999.

We are in dire need of an updated National Land Level Change map, and this amendment provides the critical resources and direction to complete this project of vital national importance.

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